Tucked away down a laneway in the centre of Athlone, just east of the bridge, there's a sense of discovery when you arrive at Steven and Martina Linehen's unpretentious Shannonside cafe-restaurant for the first time - and it's well worth seeking out.
Aptly named - and announcing its credentials with cheerful green paintwork - it's a welcoming place where simplicity is valued and fresh, top-quality ingredients come first.
Their background is in fine dining and, while you wouldn't know it from the laid-back interior and casual ambience, it shows in the depth of flavour that comes through in even the simplest dishes and the relaxed professionalism of the staff.
"Simple Ingredients...Magical Foods" is the motto that's written across their street frontage, and it means what it says. Everything is made freshly on the premises so, whether it's a full Irish and toast with a pot of hot tea to wash it down, a plate of crispy fish and chips, one of their famous salads - or just a mug of coffee and a scrumptious slice of cake enjoyed outside beside the river - it's deliciously more-ish.
And, if you don't have time to relax and enjoy it here, they're happy for you to take it with you - just the job if you're having a few days exploring the river on a Shannon cruiser.
